Appointment at

Book an Appointment at about ''

Appointment in:

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is also termed as Bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery. There are few diagnostic tests that your cardiologist might make you undergo if blockages in your arteries aren't confirmed. Details of requisite diagnostic tests are as listed below:

Stress test - In a stress test, you are asked to walk on a treadmill and the heart rate is mapped simultaneously with help of heart tests like positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of the heart and nuclear heart scanning. Presence of blockages is comprehended through this procedure.

EKG (Electrocardiogram) - An electrocardiogram maps the functioning and rhythms of the heart through electrodes attached to the body which are connected to an ECG machine. An electrocardiogram is capable of helping the cardiologist understand the extent of damage caused to the heart muscles through a heart attack.

Echocardiography - Blood flow and blood vessels present inside the heart are tracked through echocardiography. Poor functioning of the heart muscles and the need for a bypass grafting surgery for treating it are highlighted because of echocardiography. 2D echo and stress echo are types of echocardiography.

Coronary angiography - X-rays are used to examine the insides of coronary arteries, thereafter a catheter carrying a dye is threaded inside blood vessels in thigh or groin region. Blood flow is thus observed while the dye flows inside, giving the cardiologist an idea if there are blockages present in the heart.

The above tests give an idea to your cardiologist whether or not you require a bypass surgery. If so, a date is scheduled for you and the procedure carried out.

Lifestyle changes post the surgery to prevent heart attack happening again in future are a must. Smoking and drinking should be strictly avoided. Exercising, diet and regular heart checkups are also very important. All these changes are a must as a repeat heart attack can certainly be fatal.